What types of CNC machines are there?

The earliest CNC machines date back to the 1940s when motors were first used to control the movement of existing tools. As technology progressed, mechanical devices were enhanced by analogue and eventually digital computers, giving rise to the rise of CNC machining.

The vast majority of CNC equipment today is fully electronic. Some of the more common CNC operation processes include ultrasonic welding, hole punching, and laser cutting.The most common machines used in CNC systems include:

CNC Milling Machines

CNC milling machines are capable of running programmes consisting of numeric and alphabetic prompts that guide the workpiece across various distances. The programming used on milling machines can be based on G-code or some unique language developed by the manufacturing team. A basic milling machine consists of a three-axis system (X, Y, and Z), but most newer milling machines can accommodate three additional axes.

Lathe

In a lathe, workpieces are cut in a circular direction with indexable tools. Thanks to CNC technology, lathes can cut with high precision and speed CNC lathes are used to produce complex designs that would not be possible with manually run machines. Overall, CNC-run mills and lathes have similar control functions. Like CNC mills, lathes can be controlled by G-code or unique proprietary codes. However, most CNC lathes consist of two axes - X and Z.

Plasma Cutting Machine

In a plasma cutting machine, a plasma torch cuts the material. The process is primarily used on metal materials, but can be used on other surfaces as well. To generate the speed and heat needed to cut metal, plasma is produced by a combination of compressed air and an electric arc.

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), also known as mould machining and spark machining, is a process that uses electrical sparks to shape a workpiece into a specific shape.In the EDM process, an electrical discharge occurs between two electrodes, which removes certain parts of the workpiece.

As the space between the electrodes becomes smaller, the electric field becomes stronger and therefore stronger than the dielectric. This allows an electric current to pass between the two electrodes. As a result, each electrode removes a portion of the workpiece.Subtypes of EDM include:

WIRE CUTTING: Wire cutting removes portions of electronically conductive materials using spark etching.

EDM: EDM uses electrodes and workpieces immersed in a dielectric solution to form workpieces.

During the rinsing process, debris from each finished workpiece is carried away by the liquid dielectric, which occurs after the current between the two electrodes has stopped, with the aim of removing any further charge.

Water Jet Cutting Machines

In CNC machining, a water jet is a tool that uses high pressure water to cut hard materials such as granite and metal. In some cases, the water is mixed with sand or other powerful abrasive substances. Companies often use this process to shape factory machine parts.

Water jets can be used as a cooling alternative for materials that cannot withstand the high heat of processing with other CNC equipment. Because of its cooling properties, several industries, such as aerospace and mining, rely on waterjets for engraving and cutting, among other things. Companies also use water jet cutters for applications that require very complex cutting of materials, as the lack of heat prevents metal-to-metal cutting that could result in any changes to the material's inherent properties.